NYT Strands today: Clues, answers, Spangram for May 18, 2025

The New York Times published its inaugural crossword puzzle on February 15, 1942, in the Sunday Magazine. Created by Charles Erlenkotter and edited by Margaret Farrar, it was the first major newspaper to feature a crossword puzzle. Over the years, the NYT has introduced several beloved games, including the Mini Crossword in 2014, followed by Spelling Bee, Letter Boxed, and Tiles. In 2022, the NYT launched the wildly popular Wordle, followed by additional games like Connections and Strands.

NYT Strands is the latest addition to its puzzle offerings. This engaging daily game presents players with new themes each day, challenging them to uncover all the words on the grid. One of the game’s highlights is the special Spangram, which stretches across two sides of the board. With its innovative approach to word puzzles, Strands quickly became a fan favorite, adding to the diverse and exciting puzzle lineup of the New York Times.





NYT Strands May 18, 2025 – Hints, answers, Spangram


Having trouble solving today’s NYT Strands puzzle? We’re here to help with some easy hints to fuel your curiosity even more. Plus, we’ve got today’s answer waiting for you – just keep reading.




Today's NYT Strands puzzle theme



The theme for today’s Strands is 'Riding the wind'




Hints for today’s Strands


Below, we’ve shared the hints, answers, and Spangram for today’s NYT Strands puzzle. The hints may give away part or all of the Strands, so proceed with caution. Scroll down to continue:



Hints

• Hint #1: a flat piece of wood or metal hinged vertically at the back of a ship for steering.
• Hint #2: the rear or aft-most part of a water vessel which hosts the propulsion systems.

NYT Strands May 18, 2025 – Hints, answers, Spangram




Spangram for today



SailBoat is the Spangram for today’s NYT Strands puzzle.




Today's Strands’ answers:

• HELM
• HULL
• KEEL
• MAST
• RUDDER
• STERN
• TILLER
• RIGGING

What are NYT Strands and how to play the game?


Strands is a puzzle game that blends elements of Connections, Spelling Bee, and classic crossword puzzles. Players are given 48 letters arranged on a 6 x 8-inch grid, along with a daily theme. The goal is to solve the Spangram and uncover all the theme-related words.

To play, connect letters on the grid to form words by dragging your mouse or fingers (on a touchscreen) in horizontal, vertical, or diagonal directions.

Start by identifying the central theme word or Spangram, which will help you understand the puzzle’s theme.

In addition to the Spangram, you must also find other words related to the theme hidden in the grid. Once you’ve uncovered them all, the puzzle is complete.




Tips for solving NYT Strands puzzle

• Identify the theme words: Fill in the grid with the theme words. Once found, they will be highlighted in blue and won't overlap with each other.

• Find the Spangram: Identify the Spangram, a key part of the puzzle that connects two opposite sides of the grid. It encapsulates the theme and may consist of two words. The Spangram will be highlighted in yellow once you’ve located it.

• Take advantage of hints: Pay attention to off-topic words for clues. For every three non-theme words you uncover, letters will be highlighted to give you a hint toward finding a theme word, without directly revealing it.

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